From coral, learn how to produce cement

A US expert has researched and successfully applied the mechanism of forming corals to produce cement, according to the popular science journal Popular Science.

Mr. Brent Constantz - (Photo: Popsci)

As a marine biology student in the 80s of the last century, Brent Constantz was surprised to discover that corals can create huge coral rocks from nothing other than seawater.

So what is 'secret '? They combine calcium and bicarbonate in seawater into calcium carbonate , crystallized into a durable outer skeleton. Constantz spent two decades researching how to apply the same mechanism to restoring human bones. He ' pocketed ' more than 60 patents, founded two companies and now his bone cement is being used around the world.

But he continued to study corals and in 2007, Stanford University professor (USA) invented a new type of cement, used for construction projects.

Like corals, limestone cement is crystallized in water. Add a material to the mixture, such as sand or gravel, and as a result create a cheap and durable cement.

Mr. Constantz realized that cement production, by simulating coral processes, could help reduce the total amount of carbon dioxide released into the air. In addition, it is possible to isolate raw materials from the world's largest source of carbon dioxide emissions, which are power plants.

In 2009, Calera, Mr. Constantz's latest company, began putting the theory into practice at a 1,000-megawatt power plant in Moss Landing, California, USA. There, engineers spray seawater rich in minerals or salt water into the burnt gas obtained from the factory's chimneys. Calcium in water binds to carbon to form cement.

Mr. Constantz said, the pilot plant is capable of producing 1,100 tons of cement per day and isolates 550 tons of carbon dioxide. In the next 3 years, Calera will operate at several Wyoming state factories in the US and Australia.